Columbus Crew SC and the Chicago Fire kicked off their MLS seasons today at Mapfre stadium in central Ohio. Despite the unfavorable weather, Crew SC fans had a unique opportunity to start the season with an intense rivalry match at home. Both teams floundered last ear and looked to start off this one strong but in the end neither were the victor as the match ended level at 1.
Columbus began the match in command and looked like a rejuvenated side as they made an early statement with am Ethan Finlay goal in the seventeenth minute. A beautiful curling cross by Justin Meram on the left flank left only a little work for Finlay, who headed it past the goalkeeper Jorge Bava and into the corner of the net.